A Victorian Box by Facsimilies Ltd. The top of this box is a cast reproduction of a union case that was made between about 1853 and 1870. The development of the first thermoplastics from heated compounds including sawdust and shellac led to a brief boom in union cases for the display of daguerreotypes. When less fragile photographic forms appeared in the 1860's, the demand for union cases faded away as rapidly as it had been created. The box top is cast in Hydrocal (a strong gypsum cement) using a rubber mold made from the original case. Finished with a translucent wax overcoat, formulated to give the box top the appearance of ivory. The box is hand-crafted from various hardwoods. Only one in stock 2 1/8 inches long by 1 7/8 wide and 1 3/8 inches high. Note: the underside of this box top has a slight chip, seen only when the top is removed and inverted. Sold as is.